The Chocolate Bar Gets Replaced with an Oyster Bar, a Chic Interior, and an Amazing New Team

The last time we stepped foot into this space, it was Fleuri Restaurant – famous for its chocolate buffet, but otherwise not very spectacular (it always reminded me of being in a wedding reception hall, with its carpeted floors and large dessert buffet tables). In July, the restaurant re-opened as Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar, and the newly transformed restaurant has all of the spectacularity that Fleuri was missing.
Aesthetically, the interior has changed from a wedding reception hall atmosphere to that of a modern european hotspot. We loved the parisian-esque white tufted benches in the lower seating area, the contemporary light fixtures, the wall of artisan bread behind the oyster bar, and the display of beautiful wine decanters which served as objects d’arts – to name a few of the many gorgeous and chic details of this new space.

To add to this spectacularity was the service, which we can thank Maitre D Brian Hopkins (Sommelier, B.C. Restaurant Hall of Famer, and Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards Premier Crew Winner) for, as he leads the front of house staff. At times, we felt like Cinderella, surrounded by a team of singing blue birds, ensuring that everything was exactly how it should be. Our glasses were always full, our dirty dishes magically disappeared the second we were finished with them, and I swear that the basket of artisan bread was bottomless, although it’s also quite possible that we just didn’t finish every last bite because we were too busy consuming every crumb of our delicious canapes. We shared the crispy stuffed olives (with anchovies, ricotta, spiced citrus aioli) and white bean dip (with parmesan puffs, olive oil grilled sourdough), which both came beautifully presented, while we sipped on the Fasoli Gino La Corte del Pozzo Pinot Grigio, Benziger Chardonnay, and the Nespoli Prugneto Sangiovese Di Romagna Superiore.

With amazing service, beautiful surroundings, a fresh, delicious menu, and an award-winning wine list, the Boulevard was a perfect place to Wine Out in Vancouver. We also love the multiple seating areas – including the cocktail/champagne bar, oyster bar, lounge, dining room, private dining room, and outdoor patio – which offers malleability for any type of meeting or wine out event. We can’t wait to come back.